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9/26/09

As Austyn Carta-Samuels leaves the war room, he pulls out a baseball cap. He puts the black hat on his head, pulling the brim down over his forehead and revealing the face of a pink and red furry creature."It's a Muppet," he proclaims, smiling at the image of Animal.

Two days after looking calm and collected in his collegiate debut and minutes after sounding like a seasoned veteran during interview sessions with the media, the headgear provides a brief reminder that Carta-Samuels is indeed still a rookie.

Today, less than two months after holding the No. 4 quarterback spot on the depth chart, he'll be the first true freshman to start at quarterback for Wyoming in 25 years."He's real poised, he wants to win and he's intense out there. That's what we need."

With his pedigree, Austyn Carta-Samuels was going to be an athlete.

His mother, LiLinda -- her maiden name is Carta -- was a world-class swimmer.

His father, James -- his last name Samuels -- was a tight end at Utah State.

While their son may lack a giant build -- he's listed as a generous 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds -- he makes up for it in competitiveness.

"I get a lot of my personality and swag from my dad, but my mom keeps a good head on my shoulders," Austyn Carta-Samuels said. .... more here